When Tony proposed to Laurie-Ann in August 1998, she told him that he would marry into the mission field. The time wasn’t right for Tony to join her long-term, but his heart was being prepared for the time he would retire and be ready. So Laurie-Ann ministered with Tony as Alpha course leaders and advisors, started a worship band (Kenosis), had shared radio CKCU shows (Window of Opportunity & Over My Head), and did prison ministry together. Both were a whirlwind of activity in lay ministry, jobs and networking. Laurie-Ann’s heart for Africa began in Kenya in 1993, where she worked with Somali refugees. She returned to Kenya several times before Tony joined her on his first short term mission in 2005; and in 2010, Sierra Leone. By this time, Laurie-Ann had been on nine short-term missions (Kenya, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Sierra Leone), and Tony two. Then came the Iris Harvest School 24 in Mozambique and outreach in South Africa. Both were deeply impacted by different Iris mentors, and were strongly drawn by the ministry of compassionately stopping for the one. Laurie-Ann has a background in administration, fine art, Christian counselling/pastoral care, teaching, and radio broadcasting. Tony has had careers in the Royal Navy (engineering), computer sales, and as a financial advisor. Both are warm and compassionate in their work with people wherever they go. Both Laurie-Ann and Tony had a series of dreams confirming their ministry in South Africa. However, it was when they reached out in the Robertson townships that their hearts were truly broken in compassion for the people. They knew that they were “home.” They feel called to the township peoples, including the youth and “latchkey” kids that exhibit orphan spirit. They would be like grandparents to these children, loving them, parenting them, mentoring them like family. South Africa is a rainbow nation of different peoples – with 11 official languages. This means while they may be more drawn to a certain demographic, their primary ministry is to stop for the one – of any group. They also plan to do art, radio, prison and hospital ministry in the area; as well as involvement and support of Iris Western Cape base in the form of Father’s House Discipleship Schools, administration and missions in other areas of Western Cape. They will also network with local ministries in the area. ​

fun facts about tony and l-a

from tony's first mission trip:

Tony blossomed on his first mission trip to Migori, Kenya in July 2005. Laurie-Ann had arranged as much as possible so Tony would be left free to do what he was known for - leading Alpha, training leaders, and encouraging them in their call to disciple new Christians. Pastor Edward was our translator for many of those talks, and we gifted him with this Alpha Canada shirt and a Bible. From then on, Tony's heart expanded more and more towards missions.Tony initially resisted going on this mission, until Holy Spirit spoke to him personally. After this time in Kenya, Tony said to Laurie-Ann, "If I knew it would be like this, I would have gone with you on mission trips a long time ago. I wonder where we should go next?" Holy Spirit spoke to Laurie-Ann two words, "Sierra Leone." In 1994, a missionary had prophesied over Laurie-Ann that she was to go to Sierra Leone in the future. And so, both Copples went together to Sierra Leone in 2010 to lead two Alpha Global Alpha Training conferences in the Freetown area! Little did Tony know that this was only the beginning...

Laurie-Ann sharing during the same mission about soaking prayer. She originally adopted this from Nicky Gumbel's talks on the Holy Spirit weekend of the Alpha Course. She used to carry a little sponge in her purse to give this talk at any time. One of the ladies in Lahore Pakistan noticed a sponge in L-A's purse, which prompted another talk. When Tony and Laurie-Ann visited a Sierra Leone prison, very little was allowed to go in with her. In fact, Tony and Laurie-Ann were separated so she could only go to the women. She was allowed the sponge and the Bible. So while Tony and the other male team members had extended African greetings in their area, L-A was allowed to preach and sing using the sponge, the Bible, and prophetic words! She had to rely on God, and this was a good place to be. God is faithful and does not let us down.

laurie-ann's flowered walking stick

Laurie-Ann took her folding walking stick to Mozambique and South Africa in 2016. This stick has always attracted interest. Where did she get that flowered walking stick? Laurie-Ann shares: "I get asked this ALL the time, no matter what country I am in. I bought it in a National Trust shop in Seahouses, a village in Northumberland, England. I got it initially to make the walking easier near Hadrian's Wall, but I found it very essential as a travel cane since it folds up. There is something similar in the National Trust online store, but it doesn't have the flowers. Folding walking sticks can also be found in home care stores. In Ontario, Canada, one such store is Shopper's Home Health (a side store to Shopper's Drug Mart). In case you find the National Trust link helpful, I will post it here:" I also travelled with a walkstool (small folding stool) so I could rest during walks around townships and neighbourhoods more comfortably.

Tony and Laurie-Ann Copple can be reached at laurie-ann@coppleswesterncape.caWe hope to have our own PO Box within Worcester, Western Cape once we have our own long-term address. Meanwhile, you can reach us at the base address: Iris Western Cape, PO Box 765, Robertson 6705 Western Cape, South Africa